History of the Underground Railroad in Rochester- Rochesterians' Support and Participation in the Underground
Railroad
In the pamphlet entitled A Path to Freedom, which
is currently on display in the Rush Rhees Rare Books Collection
at the University of Rochester or in The Monroe County History
Office, it is clear that the outpouring of support was immense
in the Rochester area.
In addition to the many citizens that actively participated in
harboring fugitive slaves, there were many instances where Rochesterians
indirectly aided the fugitive slaves. This assistance consisted
of donating money, participating in bazaars, eating suppers, donating
clothing and other materials or attending lectures where the fees
charged would go towards helping the cause of the Underground
Railroad.
Instances often occurred in which common citizens did not have
direct contact with the fugitive slaves, but were nonetheless
equally vital in attaining their eventual freedom. These common
citizens included informants who had knowledge about police activity
and who would pass this information on to the 'conductors'. One
instance occurred when a telegram operator learned of an imminent
raid on a 'station' or safe-house. The operator immediately sent
word to the appropriate people and the escaped slaves were bustled
off to safety just prior to their capture and subsequent return
to slavery with the same owner that they had escaped from.